Antibacterial, Antiviral Baby Carrier Cover with a Ventilation System

ABSTRACT

The invention is directed toward an improved cover for an infant carrier. The cover for the infant carrier comprises a cover, an exhalation valve, a means for affixing the perimeter of the cover to the infant carrier, and a window. The cover is a nonwoven filtering fabric. The exhalation valve comprising a valve seat, a valve seal, and a valve cover. The window is placed within the cover and is a transparent thermoplastic. The cover may further comprise a plurality of ribbons to hold the cover away from an infant in the infant carrier. The cover may further comprise a rod and a receiver. The cover may further comprise a powered air supply and a supply structure. The supply structure is integral to the cover and houses the powered air supply. The valve seat may be affixed directly to the cover or the window.

PRIORITY

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/816,338, filed Apr. 26, 2013, which is incorporated in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to infant carrier covers and more particularly to a cover for an infant carrier utilizing a ventilation system and an anti-microbial/anti-viral filter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Covers for infant carriers are well known and used by parents to protect infants and young children from inclement weather. Infant covers that can be used are normally made of a cloth or plastic material such as PVC. This type of material is sufficient for keeping a child dry while riding in a carrier. Some covers are made of a plush fabric material and are intended to keep a child warm when the weather is cold. Some covers may be made from a blend of synthetic materials and cloth to keep a child both dry and warm.

These types of covers are limited and problematic and limited however. They are not designed to protect the child from airborne bacteria and viruses nor do they promote air exchange when in use. The air within the infant carrier cover becomes stale, builds up with moisture, and collects carbon dioxide exhaled by the infant. What is needed is a carrier cover that has a ventilation system which allows the air within the cover to be turned over and to ventilate unwanted moisture and carbon dioxide out of covered area.

The other devices do not have an exhalation valve (filtered or otherwise) or any other method or system of addressing these potential threats to infants/children (heat; warm, moist air; and a carbon dioxide rich environment) and the potential threat to others that breathe the infant/child's exhaled air.

It is known that babies and children are more sensitive and vulnerable to environmental and other exposures and hazards such as allergens, biological contaminants (mildew, dust mites, animal dander, pollen, molds, and spores), dust pollutants, air pollution, insects, bacterial organisms and viral organisms due to their immature immune systems. They are highly vulnerable to severe infections and unable to mount an effective immune response to most vaccines, thereby frustrating efforts to protect them. The deficient immunity of newborns is a natural state at birth and is medically known as physiologic immunodeficiency in the neonate. The immune system requires several years before reaching a fully mature state in children. The maturation process of the immune system occurs in stages and reaches completion between 10 to 14 years of age. It is also commonly known that all allergens are known to cause or aggravate asthma, the common cold, pneumonia and other conditions.

Additionally, infants born prematurely are especially at risk. Premature infants do not have a developed immune system and are especially at risk of experiencing adverse health effects from bacteria, viruses, and particulate matter. Normally premature infants are protected while being cared for in NICU. However, after released from NICU, parents will normally have to transport premature infants from home to a doctor's office for frequent check-ups. The current art is limited in that there is no cover for an infant carrier that provides a protective environment for a premature infant. There is also no cover that parents may use at home to protect the premature infant while the infant sleeps in a crib. What is needed is a cover for an infant carrier which filters bacteria and viruses and provides a protective environment for a premature infant.

Research has shown that breathing in a carbon dioxide rich environment will also disturb the normal carbon dioxide level in the blood. There have been many reports of accidental and intentional exposures to carbon dioxide leading to intoxication, partial incapacitation, hypoxia and hypercapnia. Research has shown that high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood can cause flushed skin, increased blood pressure, muscle twitches, reduced brain and nerve function, headaches, confusion and lethargy. Long periods of enduring such a condition can lead to damage to internal organs such as the brain.

This invention's goal is to (1) provide a barrier between the infant/child and impurities, allergens, insects or contaminants (such as mildew, dust mites, animal dander, insects, pollen, molds, spores, bacteria and viruses); (2) facilitate the prevention of other persons or things being exposed to pathogens and other contaminants exhaled by the infant/child; (3) promote fresh air to enter the interior chamber of the infant/child holder cover; (4) allow moisture to come out of the interior chamber of the infant/child holder cover through the exhalation valve; (5) allow the stagnant air to come out of the interior chamber of the infant/child holder cover through the exhalation valve, thus preventing a pool of carbon dioxide (CO2) from forming around the infant/baby by eliminating any possible stagnant air conditions in the interior chamber of the infant/child holder cover; and (6) facilitate the visualization of the infant/child while in the interior chamber of the infant/child holder cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of an infant carrier utilizing one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of an infant carrier utilizing one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a stroller utilizing one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a stroller utilizing one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a stroller utilizing one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an infant carrier utilizing one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an infant seat utilizing one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a bassinet utilizing one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a top view of the exhalation valve.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the exhalation valve without a valve cover.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the exhalation valve.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed toward an improved cover for an infant carrier. The cover for the infant carrier comprises a cover, an exhalation valve, a means for affixing the perimeter of the cover to the infant carrier, and a window. The cover is a nonwoven filtering fabric. The exhalation valve comprising a valve seat, a valve seal, and a valve cover. The window is placed within the cover and is a transparent thermoplastic.

The cover may come in a variety of embodiments. In one embodiment the cover may further comprise a plurality of ribbons. The ribbons may be tied to the handle of the infant carrier to hold the cover away from an infant in the infant carrier. In one embodiment the cover may further comprise a rod and a receiver. The rod is affixed to the cover and provides structural support for the cover to prevent the cover from contacting the infant. The rod is placed within the receiver. The receiver is integral to the cover. In another embodiment of the invention the cover further comprises a powered air supply and a supply structure. The supply structure is integral to the cover and houses the powered air supply. Furthermore, the powered air supply may be a battery powered electric fan. In one embodiment the valve seat is affixed directly to the cover. In one embodiment the valve seat is affixed to the window. In one embodiment the means for affixing the perimeter is an elastic band affixed to the perimeter of the cover. In one embodiment the means for affixing the perimeter is a drawstring affixed to the perimeter of the cover. In one embodiment the cover further comprises an additive. The additive is selected from a group consisting essentially of: a pigment, a UV stabilizer, an anti-block agent, a nucleating agent, a fungicide, a virucide, or a bactericide.

In another embodiment of the cover the cover for the infant carrier comprises a cover, an exhalation valve, a means for affixing the perimeter of the cover to the infant carrier, a window, a rod, a receiver, a powered air supply, a supply structure, and a plurality of ribbons. The cover is a nonwoven filtering fabric. The exhalation valve comprising a valve seat, a valve seal, and a valve cover. The window is placed within the cover and is a transparent thermoplastic. The ribbons may be tied to the handle of the infant carrier to hold the cover away from an infant in the infant carrier. The rod is affixed to the cover and provides structural support for the cover to prevent the cover from contacting the infant. The rod is placed within the receiver. The receiver is integral to the cover. The supply structure is integral to the cover and houses the powered air supply. In one version of this embodiment the valve seat is affixed directly to the cover. In one version of this embodiment the valve seat is affixed to the window.

In one embodiment of the invention the cover for the infant carrier comprises a cover, an exhalation valve, a means for affixing the perimeter of the cover to the infant carrier, and a window. The cover is a nonwoven filtering fabric. The exhalation valve comprising a valve seat, a valve seal, and a valve cover. The window is placed within the cover and is a transparent thermoplastic. The cover further comprises one or more layers of fabric or thermoplastic attached to the layer of nonwoven filtering fabric.

This embodiment of the invention may come in a variety of versions. This embodiment may further comprise a rod and a receiver. The rod is affixed to the cover and provides structural support for the cover to prevent the cover from contacting the infant. The rod is placed within the receiver. The receiver is integral to the cover. This embodiment may further comprise a powered air supply and a supply structure. The supply structure is integral to the cover and houses the powered air supply. Furthermore, the powered air supply may be a battery powered electric fan. This embodiment may further comprise a plurality of ribbons. The ribbons may be tied to the handle of the infant carrier to hold the cover away from an infant in the infant carrier. In this embodiment of the invention the valve seat may be affixed directly to the cover or the valve seat may be affixed to the window. In this embodiment of the invention the cover may further comprise an additive. The additive is selected from a group consisting essentially of: a pigment, a UV stabilizer, an anti-block agent, a nucleating agent, a fungicide, a virucide, or a bactericide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced with or without any combination of these specific details, without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention and the claims.

FIG. 1 displays one embodiment of the invention. The invention comprises a unique cover for an infant holder. The embodiment of the invention displayed comprises primarily a cover 10. The cover 10 is a fabric composed of a nonwoven material. The nonwoven material is made of long fibers that are bonded together by chemical, mechanical, heat or solvent treatment. Nonwoven materials are sheets of fibers that have been formed into a web by any means, and bonded together by any means except weaving or knitting. The nonwoven material may be a meltblown nonwoven material. The fibers may be locked or entangled together with an adhesive, or thermally by utilizing a binder. The binder is normally in the form of a powder, paste, or a polymer melt. The binder is melted onto the web through the application of heat. The nonwoven material may have any type of appearance, texture, tensile strength, absorbency, liquid repellence, flame retardency, washability, thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, and filtration ability. The nonwoven material is engineered to operate as a barrier to bacteria and viruses by filtering out particulate material. The nonwoven material passively filters out bacteria and viruses while allowing air to pass through the material. The nonwoven material is engineered to only have small holes in the material that are too small for viruses or bacteria to pass through. The nonwoven material may filter out bacteria and viruses of any size. In the preferred embodiment the nonwoven material filters out any object bigger than one nanogram in size. The pores in the nonwoven material may be any diameter sufficient to filter out bacteria, viruses, and particulate matter. In the preferred embodiment the nonwoven material has an average pore size of 0.2 microns. In the preferred embodiment the nonwoven material is 99.97% efficient at filtering out particles which are 0.3 microns in size.

Additionally, the nonwoven material may be treated or contain additives to enhance the effectiveness of protecting the infant. These additives may include, but are not limited to, pigments, UV stabilizers (such as benzophenone), anti-block agents, nucleating agents (such as sodium benzoate), fungicides, virucides and bactericides. The additives may be mixed with the fibers so as to become embedded in the material during production or added onto the surface of the material after the material has been produced. The anti-block agents may be natural silica, talc, synthetic silica, calcium carbonate, ceramic spheres, kaolin/clay, mica, or any other organic or inorganic anti-block agent.

The cover 10 is attached to an infant holder 20. The cover 10 has a perimeter 16 which attaches to the infant holder 20. In the preferred embodiment, the perimeter 16 has an elastic band attached to the cover 10. The elastic perimeter 16 removably secures the cover to the infant holder 20. When attached to the infant holder 20, the cover 10 creates an interior space in which the infant is locate and separated from the outside space. The perimeter 16 holds the cover 10 to the infant holder 20 and prevents unintended airflow to enter the interior space. The perimeter 16 may be removably secured to the infant holder 20 by any number of means. The perimeter 16 may have a draw string, Velcro, ribbon, cincture, hook, latch, snap fasteners, clips, or any other suitable means to removably secure the cover 10 to the infant holder 20.

The cover 10 also has a window 14. The window 14 is a translucent flexible plastic material that permits an infant to see through the window 14, or a parent or caregiver to see the infant. The window 14 is layer impermeable to allergens, biological contaminants (mildew, dust mites, animal dander, pollen, molds, and spores), environmental dust, air pollutants, viruses, bacteria, insects and liquids. The window 10 may be any size and shape. In the displayed embodiment there is only one window 14. In other embodiments, there may be more than one window 14.

The cover 10 has a one or more lengths of ribbon 18 attached to the middle of the cover 10. The ribbon 18 are tied around the handle 25 of the infant holder 20. Tieing the ribbon 18 to the handle 25 provides a structural shape to the cover 10 to prevent the cover 10 from falling onto the head or body of the infant. The ribbon 18 may be tied to the handle 25 at only one location on the handle 25 or at multiple locations on the handle 25.

The cover 10 also has an exhalation valve 12. The exhalation valve 12 permits air to flow only from the interior space of the cover 10 to outside of the cover 10. The exhalation valve 12 allows the stagnant air to come out of the interior chamber. This prevents a pool of carbon dioxide (CO2) from forming around the infant by eliminating any possible stagnant air conditions in the interior chamber of the cover 10. The cover 10 may have one exhalation valve 12 or more than one exhalation valve 12. The exhalation valve 12 may be placed anywhere on the cover 10 and is integral to the cover 10. In other embodiments, the exhalation valve 12 may be placed on the window 14.

Referring to FIG. 2, an alternative embodiment of the invention is displayed. In this embodiment the cover has a rod 30. The rod 30 provides structural support to the cover 10 to keep the cover off of the infant. The rod 30 may provide structural support instead of the lengths of ribbon 18 or in addition to the lengths of ribbon 18. The rod 30 is placed in a receiver 32. The receiver 32 is attached to the cover 10. The receiver 32 may be any structure which is integral to the cover 10 designed to hold the rod 30. In the preferred embodiment the receiver 32 is a two inch strip of material sewn to the cover 10 to create a channel to hold the rod 30. In the preferred embodiment the material of the receiver 32 is identical to the material of the cover 10. However, the material for the receiver 32 may be any type of material. The receiver 32 may also be a plurality of loops or ties, or any other structure for holding the cover 10 to the rod 30.

The cover 10 may be designed in additional structures while maintaining the functionality and purpose of the invention. The cover may be designed to fit any type of infant holder 20. FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG. 5 each displays an embodiment where the infant holder 20 is a stroller. Referring to FIG. 3, the cover 10 is held to the infant holder 20 by the perimeter 16. The cover still utilizes a window 14 and an exhalation valve 12. Regardless of the type of structure utilized as an infant holder 20, the cover 10 may utilize ribbon 18 to provide structural support for the cover 10. In other embodiments the cover 10 may be a stiff nonwoven material and not require any additional structural support. Additionally, the cover 10 may be comprised of multiple layers of materials, with at least one layer being a nonwoven material. The nonwoven material may be sandwiched between layers of other materials or placed on a structurally stiff preformed material. As displayed in FIG. 4, the structural support for the cover 10 may still be provided by the rod 30 placed in a receiver 32.

In one embodiment of the invention, as displayed in FIG. 5, the cover 10 may contain a powered air supply 42 housed in a supply structure 40. In the preferred embodiment the powered air supply 42 is an electric fan utilizing a battery power supply. The powered air supply 42 provides a positive stream of air from the outside into the interior of the cover 10 to create an internal positive air pressure within the cover 10 relative to the outside. The powered air supply may be any other type of device which creates airflow from outside the cover 10 to into the cover 10. The powered air supply 42 may be attached to the internal surface of the cover 10 or the external surface of the cover 10. The supply structure 40 is any structure utilized to hold the powered air supply 42. The supply structure 40 may be a pocket of fabric attached to the cover 10. The fabric used may be the same fabric used for the cover 10 or any other type of fabric. The fabric may be secured to the cover 10 by any means, such as being sewn on or glued on. The supply structure 40 may also be a plastic frame or box secured to the cover 10. In the preferred embodiment the powered air supply 42 may draw air through the cover 10 to filter particulate matter and bacteria from the air and create a clean air flow. In other embodiments, the powered air supply 42 may have a self-contained filter to allow for replacement of the filter. Optionally, the cover 10 may have a hole to permit air to flow through the powered air supply without restriction.

Other embodiments of the invention are possible. As displayed in FIG. 6, in one embodiment of the invention, the exhalation valve 12 is integral to the window 14. As shown in FIG. 7, the cover 10 is utilized to cover an infant car seat being used as the infant holder 20. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 8, the infant holder 20 is a bassinet. In all embodiments, the cover 10 is utilized to create a filtered air supply for the infant. Air is drawn into the interior of the cover 10 by passing through the cover 10 or powered air supply 42. The air is flushed out of the interior chamber of the cover 10 by passing through the exhalation valve 12.

The structure and operation of the exhalation valve is displayed by FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11. The exhalation valve 12 is comprised of a valve seat 50 and a valve cover 52. The valve cover 52 is attached to the valve seat 50 by a plurality of pins 54. The valve cover 52 may also be secured to the valve seat 50 by any other means, such as an adhesive or ultrasonic welding. Regardless of the means of attaching, the valve cover 52 may partially lift from the valve seat 50 to permit air flow through the exhalation valve 12. As displayed in FIG. 10, the valve seat 50 has a seal surface 56 surrounding an opening 58. The opening 58 may be any shape or in any position on the valve seat 50. The opening 58 is fully covered by the valve cover 52. FIG. 11 displays the exhalation valve 12 from the profile position. The valve cover 52 fully covers the valve opening 58. When in the closed position the valve cover 52 rests on the seal surface 56. The exhalation valve 12 is attached to the cover 10 so that the valve cover 52 is facing the exterior of the cover 10. When in the closed position the valve cover 52 contacts the entire seal surface 56 to prevent any airflow through the opening 58. When the positive air pressure in the interior of the cover 10 reaches a high enough level the valve cover 52 lifts from the valve seal 56 and permits air to flow from the interior of the cover 10 to the exterior of the cover 10.

The valve cover may be manufactured out of any type of material. In the preferred embodiment the valve cover is a flexible material to allow it to easily bend away from the valve seal 56. In other embodiments the valve cover 52 may be structured in any way to permit the valve cover 52 to partially lift from the valve seal 56, such as having a hinge. 

1. A cover for an infant carrier comprising a cover said cover comprising a nonwoven filtering fabric an exhalation valve said exhalation valve comprising a valve seat, a valve seal, and a valve cover a means for affixing the perimeter of said cover to said infant carrier a window wherein said window is placed within said cover wherein said window is a transparent thermoplastic.
 2. The cover as in claim 1 further comprising a plurality of ribbons wherein said ribbons may be tied to the handle of said infant carrier to hold the cover away from an infant in said infant carrier.
 3. The cover as in claim 1 further comprising a rod wherein said rod is affixed to said cover wherein said rod provides structural support for said cover to prevent said cover from contacting said infant a receiver wherein said rod is placed within said receiver wherein said receiver is integral to said cover.
 4. The cover as in claim 1 further comprising a powered air supply a supply structure wherein said supply structure is integral to said cover wherein said supply structure houses said powered air supply.
 5. The cover as in claim 4 wherein said powered air supply is a battery powered electric fan.
 6. The cover as in claim 1 wherein said valve seat is affixed directly to said cover.
 7. The cover as in claim 1 wherein said valve seat is affixed to said window.
 8. The cover as in claim 1 wherein said means for affixing the perimeter is an elastic band affixed to the perimeter of said cover.
 9. The cover as in claim 1 wherein said means for affixing the perimeter is a drawstring affixed to the perimeter of said cover.
 10. The cover as in claim 1 wherein said cover further comprises an additive wherein said additive is selected from a group consisting essentially of: a pigment, a UV stabilizer, an anti-block agent, a nucleating agent, a fungicide, a virucide, or a bactericide.
 11. The cover as in claim 2 further comprising a rod wherein said rod is affixed to said cover wherein said rod provides structural support for said cover to prevent said cover from contacting said infant a receiver wherein said rod is placed within said receiver wherein said receiver is integral to said cover. a powered air supply a supply structure wherein said supply structure is integral to said cover wherein said supply structure houses said powered air supply.
 12. The cover as in claim 11 wherein said valve seat is affixed directly to said cover
 13. The cover as in claim 11 wherein said valve seat is affixed to said window
 14. The cover as in claim 1 wherein said cover further comprises one or more layers of fabric or thermoplastic attached to said layer of nonwoven filtering fabric.
 15. The cover as in claim 14 further comprising a rod wherein said rod is affixed to said cover wherein said rod provides structural support for said cover to prevent said cover from contacting said infant a receiver wherein said rod is placed within said receiver wherein said receiver is integral to said cover.
 16. The cover as in claim 14 further comprising a powered air supply a supply structure wherein said supply structure is integral to said cover wherein said supply structure houses said powered air supply.
 17. The cover as in claim 14 further comprising a plurality of ribbons wherein said ribbons may be tied to the handle of said infant carrier to hold the cover away from an infant in said infant carrier.
 18. The cover as in claim 14 wherein said valve seat is affixed directly to said cover.
 19. The cover as in claim 14 wherein said valve seat is affixed to said window.
 20. The cover as in claim 14 wherein said cover further comprises an additive wherein said additive is selected from a group consisting essentially of: a pigment, a UV stabilizer, an anti-block agent, a nucleating agent, a fungicide, a virucide, or a bactericide. 